Behind-the-Scenes Parliament Tour: Fully Guided Tour at Closing Time

4.6

1336 Ratings

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Show tickets on your phone

2 hrs

Avoid the crowds and head to the Westminster Palace for a peek behind the curtains of Parliament, after-hours. Under the direction of an expert guide, you will have an enriching experience learning about the gorgeous art and architecture of this historic center of British political life.

Highlights

Admire the architecture of Augustus Pugin and Charles Barry with insights from an expert guide

Walk in the footsteps of the Queen through the Palace for a quiet experience with just a handful of people

Marvel at the grandeur of the Queen’s Robing Room, Royal Gallery and the House of Commons

Experience the regality of the House of Lords with almost no other crowds

Get an in-depth look at the Palace’s remarkable history

+ Read more

Your Experience

Your guided tour begins at the designated meeting point at Parliament Square where you will meet your tour guide. Go through the security check, and then enter into Westminster Hall, the oldest and most impressive part of the Palace. From there you will head to the Royal Staircase, the Queen’s Robing Room, the Royal Gallery, and the Prince’s Chamber. Your expert guide will not only take you to the most breathtaking sections of the Palace but also give you context and insight into the history of the building and its designer August Pugin.

From the Prince’s Chamber, you will go on through a medley of other rooms and lobbies, including the House of Commons, to finally reach the zenith of the tour, the House of Lords, where you will stand with only a handful of other visitors. Here, scarcely a few feet away from the Queen’s throne, your guide will tell you about the history of the room and some of the more interesting things that have happened behind those closed doors.

You will see the grand Victorian architecture of the Palace and its various galleries and chambers. Inside the palace, your guide will show you immense frescoes and paintings made by artists such as William Dyce and Daniel Maclise over many centuries, and tell you about the Tudor dynasty’s fascinating history in power. This experience is best-suited for lovers of art, architecture and royal history, a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the United Kingdom’s premier palace without the normal daytime crowds.

+ Read more

Inclusions

Expert Guide

Small group size and no crowds

Parliament tickets

+ Read more

Exclusions

Hotel transfers

Food and drinks

Gratuities

+ Read more

Know Before You Go

Important Information

The tour will be conducted in English

The tour begins at 4 PM and goes on till 6 PM

Photography is not permitted inside the Houses of Parliament

Please note that for security reasons, airport-style bag searches will take place at the Houses of Parliament -Since the tour will cover a fair amount of ground in 2 hours, make sure to put on some comfortable shoes to walk with ease

Unfortunately, due to stairways and limited elevator access, guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour